It was announced on the 1st July by Transport Minister Norman Baker that car clubs will be getting an extra £40,000 of Government funding. This money will be used to support the development of car clubs throughout the UK.
Car clubs allow user’s access to cars for a limited amount of time either on a lease basis or pay-as-you-go. Popularity of car clubs has greatly increased recently due to people becoming more environmentally aware as well as trying to keep living costs down. The number of car club members has increased from 22,000 in 2007 to more than 127, 113 members currently. London car clubs appear to be the most popular.
The government is supportive of car club schemes as it helps cut congestion, helps the environment and is beneficial for people’s quality of life. When people are members of a car club they seem to drive a lot less than when they are car owners reducing CO2 emissions. Cars in car clubs are also more efficient as they are newer greener cars.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said:
“The Coalition Government, in its programme for government, has been clear in its commitment to sustainable travel initiatives such as car clubs to help achieve a greener and more sustainable transport sector.”
He also said,
“The figures speak for themselves – each car club vehicle can result in taking 24 private vehicles off the road and the low carbon vehicles used typically emit approx 33% less CO2 than the average car. This is why we are supporting the continued growth of car clubs across the country.”
Research has shown that car clubs reduce car use and encourage people to use public transport or lift share. Transport for London will also continue to provide funds to Carplus the national transport charity.
{ 0 comments… add one now }